MOSCOW, March 16. /TASS/. Russia’s Ministry of Transport is preparing to lift the ban on mobile devices’ use during aircraft takeoffs and landings, the ministry said on Monday.

"The Russian Ministry of Transport received a Transaero’s application with the initiative to lift the ban on using mobile devices on board of aircraft. The Ministry of Transport is currently drafting an order abolishing such a prohibition," the ministry’s spokesman added.

Transaero airline said earlier today it approached the Russian Ministry of Transport with a proposal to lift the ban on mobile communication devices’ use during takeoffs and landings. "The order of the air transport department of the Transport Ministry issued as far back as in 1995 is still limiting use of electronic devices by passengers on board of an aircraft," Transaero said.

The airline initiated abolishment of "this obviously obsolete prohibition that does not influence the flight safety at all," first deputy CEO of Transaero Dmitry Stolyarov said.